Medically, the presence of an inflamed ganglion is related to the company of an infectious or bacterial process affecting humans. The ganglia are part of the immune system. It contains white blood cells responsible for protecting the body from any foreign aggressor agent.
There are at least 600 lymph nodes distributed throughout the body. The places most easily examined are the armpits, neck, groin, abdomen, chest, and head.
The standard characteristic of lymph nodes is that they measure less than 1 centimeter in length. They are a kind of soft mass that is not attached to any plane of the skin, so they are mobile, and the normality is that it is not painful; however, when the ganglion becomes inflamed, it indicates the presence of an offending agent, which is why it tends to change in size and pain may appear. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about the swollen lymph node in the groin: causes and treatment.
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Swollen gland: symptoms
The lymph nodes are also known as lymph nodes and have a fundamental function to fight any infection. These act as a filter capable of trapping any bacteria or virus that causes diseases that affect the body.
The main areas where swollen nodes can be noticed are the neck, armpits, and groin. When these appear, it is called inflammatory adenopathy.
The presence of swollen glands in the groin is manifested by:
- Tenderness on both sides of the groin.
- Pain when touching the groin region.
- Lymph node enlargement.
- Depending on the cause, fever may appear, and inflammation of other lymph nodes in some other part of the body.
Swollen Glands in the Groin: Common Causes
In addition to swollen glands in the groin, this condition is also known as inguinal adenopathy or lymphadenopathy. The main reasons for swollen glands are infections, although a few cases can also be due to the growth of a tumor.
Having swollen glands in the groin can be on the left or right side, it can be painful or not painful, and it can also be on one side or both sides. The lymph nodes that are commonly swollen are located in the inguinal region. This indicates that any part of the lower limbs or the pelvis is involved. Here we explain the leading causes of swollen glands in the groin area:
- The first reason why it may appear inguinal adenopathy is related to sexually transmitted diseases is the presence of genital herpes, inguinal granuloma, syphilis, and HIV.
- On the other hand, the second reason related to the presence of swollen lymph nodes in the groin, whether on the right, left, or bilateral side, is genital infections themselves, such as, for example, fungal infections due to Candida Albicans, other conditions such as vulvovaginitis or any other caused by bacteria.
- Likewise, urinary infections, prostatitis, or cervicitis can manifest with swollen lymph nodes.
- Any infectious skin process that involves the lower limbs can trigger the appearance of swollen glands. This occurs, for example, in cases of inflammation or infection in the buttocks, legs, or feet.
- The most feared reason for the appearance of swollen lymph nodes in the groin region is cancer. In cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, rectal cancer, penis, vulvar cancer, or any malignant growth in the genital area or skin, the lymph nodes can be inflamed.
There are many reasons related to the appearance of inguinal adenopathy, and some are simpler than others. The Spanish Academy of Pediatrics 1 affirms that the incidence of malignant processes in patients with lymphadenopathy who are cared for in the primary care setting is less than 1%; however, those referred to a pediatric referral center have a prevalence of that the lymph nodes are tumorous between 13 and 27%.
Treatment for swollen glands in the groin
The treatment to be used in the presence of swollen glands in the groin will depend on the cause to be treated. Some of the principal treatments that can be carried out are:
- Antibiotics in the case of a bacterial infectious process that affects the pelvic, lower abdominal region, or the lower limbs.
- The use of over-the-counter analgesics is indicated in cases where the presence of swollen glands manifests with pain.
- Similarly, anti-inflammatories may be indicated to improve the inflammation of the ganglia itself.
On the other hand, there are effective natural remedies to improve swollen lymph nodes. Ginger is one of them, so drinking the infusion several times a day is recommended. This product has high anti-inflammatory properties. Likewise, cayenne prepared as an infusion or even included in meals helps reduce inflammation of the groin glands.
The complete disappearance of the swollen glands can take a few weeks and sometimes months, depending on the cause to be treated. Prompt treatment with the indicated medications will allow the recovery time to be much faster.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Swollen ganglion in the groin: causes and treatment, we recommend entering our Immune system category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.